Page 99 of Awakened Ash and Alchemy

“Is there a cure for this Claiming?” one woman asked. “One of the house staff heard the Great Captain ask Bellus to find one.”

“Think about it. If they don’t, the poor thing is going to be locked up like a doll no one can touch for the rest of her life because of Zarek,” another woman said.

“I’d love to be married, have that one man kill for me,” one woman sighed.

“Me too.”

They all murmured in agreement.

“And I’m sure you will all have the chance soon, my darlings,” the Matriarch said with a smile. “Now let’s plan the blessing of our new mother-to-be and her baby…”

Angela rose on shaky legs and slipped away, the bitter taste of betrayal burning the back of her throat.

Angela found Tamarr waiting for her by the doors of the Keep.

“Tamarr,” she called out, trying to keep her voice steady, even though her heart still pounded from what she’d overheard.

“Yes, Miss?” Tamarr curtsied.

“Please, Tamarr, there’s no need to curtsy.” Angela forced a smile. “Can I ask you a question?”

“Anything, Miss.” Tamarr looked up, so trusting.

Please don’t let this hurt. Angela’s stomach twisted with guilt, but she pushed it aside. Narrowing her eyes slightly, she kept her smile soft and friendly and willed the truth forward.

Sure, she’d done this before, sensing when others were lying. But it had always been about being open and intently listening to people as they answered her questions. After all, she grew up in retail at the bookstore, where her job was to match what the customer wanted to get them to come back. It was Father Michael who’d taught her the art of listening, about maintaining eye contact so people felt heard while you read what they were saying and not saying. It helped her immensely with witnesses on the stand.

But this was the first time she’d done it on purpose; now, she knew what she was doing. Truth Compulsion.

But she had to know.

“What are the Hearthbound women?”

“Oh, they’re—” Tamarr hesitated, as if choosing her words carefully. “They’re women who live here in the Keep and bear children for the Vanguard. They’re chosen for their magickal bloodlines, you see, and their children become soldiers.” She said it so casually, as if describing crop rotations or a horse stud.

Angela’s stomach turned. “They… chose this?”

“Of course, Miss. They volunteer first, and then they are tested by the Veyllward Sisters to see if they are a match.” Tamarr rubbed at her shifting brow, as if confused. “It’s a great honor to be Hearthbound. They’re well cared for. So are their children, who are raised with pride.”

Angela nodded slowly, keeping her smile soft. Even if it sounded transactional, she had questions. Lots of them. Hating to use Tamarr like this, she couldn’t stop now. “Do they service all of the Vanguard?”

“Only those matched by powers,” Tamarr spoke as if speaking in a dream. “The Continuum Council watches over the lineage to honor magic. Like the Accords.”

Angela’s mind twisted, along with a worrying churn in her belly. “Are you saying it’s a breeding program, sanctioned by a Council, to keep magick pure?”

“Yes. The Hearthbound are the custodians of magick. Most become respected future wives and mothers to the Vanguard. They live in the Hearthwing, and when they become mothers, they move to the Mother’s Hall, where my mother works, helping to take care of the little ones. On my days off, I visit. It’s a wonderful place, Miss. So bright and filled with laughter. So different from the soldiers’ sections.”

“I can imagine.” Although Angela struggled to picture it. Even if it was voluntary, it was still such an unusual idea that it had her rolling her shoulders to understand the culture of Paradox. “And the Continuum Council?”

“They’re the higher council, Miss, part of the Veyllward Sisterhood. They’re the observers of lineage. Protectors of purity for the good of all magic.”

“I don’t understand.”

“They’re the record keepers of magick who assess children for their power properties, and they’re the blesser of unions.”

Angela’s blood ran cold. “Are you saying this council decides who marries?”

“For the purity of magick, yes, Miss.”